Preparing for winter

biko

Just a thread with some things to check before it gets really nippy.

1. Check your coolant/antifreeze level.
If you've been topping up with water only lately the mix will be off so you'll need to add more antifreeze. If you can't remember when you changed coolant last this may be a good time to change for fresh stuff. Simply DIY or ask for quote in local garage.

2. Add windscreen washer fluid to the reservoir.
Pick up in any garage. It'll keep the washer water from freezing. Perhaps a new set of wiper blades too?

3. Check all bulbs front and rear. Don't put this off!
Also check if the headlights are straight so you don't blind oncoming traffic.

4. Will your tyres have grip?
You don't want to start skidding on frosty streets in the mornings. New tyres are cheaper than denting someone else's car.
Check and replace before this happens.

I'm sure there's more but this is from the top of my head.

Plug

Can a mod make this a sticky. Good thread for drivers unaware of the extreme basics which there are a lot!

marious

switch off fog lights if theres no fog

sentient_6

Throw a can of de icer & a cheap scraper in the boot. Maybe keep a pair of gloves 'handy' in case of a brake down.

http://www.aaireland.ie/AA/Motoring-advice/Driving-advice/Driving-Kit.aspx

http://www.aaireland.ie/AA/Motoring-advice/Driving-advice/Harazards-of-Winter-Driving.aspx

have some good info.

lau1247

marious wrote: »

switch off fog lights if theres no fog

+1, those thing are just as bad as high beam

CiniO

biko wrote: »

Just a thread with some things to check before it gets really nippy.

1. Check your coolant/antifreeze level.
If you've been topping up with water only lately the mix will be off so you'll need to add more antifreeze. If you can't remember when you changed coolant last this may be a good time to change for fresh stuff. Simply DIY or ask for quote in local garage.

2. Add windscreen washer fluid to the reservoir.
Pick up in any garage. It'll keep the washer water from freezing. Perhaps a new set of wiper blades too?

3. Check all bulbs front and rear. Don't put this off!
Also check if the headlights are straight so you don't blind oncoming traffic.

4. Will your tyres have grip?
You don't want to start skidding on frosty streets in the mornings. New tyres are cheaper than denting someone else's car.
Check and replace before this happens.

I'm sure there's more but this is from the top of my head.

I agree with preparing car for the winter. But most of what you proposed, has nothing to do with winter.

1. Checking coolant level... Doesn't matter if it's winter or summer - you need proper level of coolant.

3. Checking the bulbs... Don't you need them all year round?

4. New tyres... As size of tyre tread make horrendous difference on wet road, it doesn't really make any difference on ice or black-ice.

I agree with anything else.

What I can add from myself.
Try to get one of these coolant freezing level tester. You can get one on ebay for a couple of bob. Then you can check what's the freezing temperature of your coolant. In Irish conditions if it was more then -15 I'd be concerned.

And the most important thing that most people usually don't think about.
Beside preparing a car - prepare a driver.
Driving on frosty roads and snow is different. It might be more difficult, but it's still perfectly possible.
It's just a matter of practice - so DO practice.
Find some empty big space (maybe some empty parking) covered with snow or ice, and try how good you are with controlling your car.
The more you practice, the bigger the chance you will be safe on the road then.

okane1

plenty of wax on the car to give added protection against the winter elements and soon to come salt.

coylemj

biko wrote: »

Just a thread with some things to check before it gets really nippy.

2. Add windscreen washer fluid to the reservoir.
Pick up in any garage. It'll keep the washer water from freezing. Perhaps a new set of wiper blades too?

I buy the official VW screenwash because it's effective at cleaning the windscreen and only costs 5 euros for a bottle (250 mls) of concentrate which makes up 25 litres (25,000 mls), I make it up 5 litres at a time. What I put in the tank is one part screenwash to 100 parts water so has virtually the same freezing point as plain tap water. I don't think any screenwash is intended to prevent the tank from freezing.

Drive to the conditions and you won't need to prat around in car parks.

Stephen

Most screenwash you can buy does help prevent the water in your water tank from freezing, but needs the concentration to be increased to be effective.

peasant

coylemj wrote: »

I buy the official VW screenwash because it's effective at cleaning the windscreen and only costs 5 euros for a bottle (250 mls) of concentrate which makes up 25 litres (25,000 mls), I make it up 5 litres at a time. What I put in the tank is one part screenwash to 100 parts water so has virtually the same freezing point as plain tap water. I don't think any screenwash is intended to prevent the tank from freezing.

Go into a motor factors, buy a big canister of screenwash concentrate (which should be mostly alcohol, check the label) and dilute 50/50. That way it won't freeze even if it gets as cold as last year.

Nothing is more dangerous than your screenwash just making it out the jets but freezing on impact with the cold screen and nothing is as useless as frozen screenwash

coylemj

peasant wrote: »

Go into a motor factors, buy a big canister of screenwash concentrate (which should be mostly alcohol, check the label) and dilute 50/50. That way it won't freeze even if it gets as cold as last year.

Wouldn't the smell of the alcohol be a major problem every time you spray the windscreen? I drive a Golf and the default ventilation settings (with the a/c switched off) does me fine 99% of the time, I can usually detect a whiff from the screenwash when I spray the windscreen but it doesn't bother me too much, however if the liquid had a large amount of alcohol in it I'd expect it to be a major irritant.

I don't have a problem if the screenwash tanks freezes, I just scrape the ice off the windscreen and drive off, the tank usually thaws after a few minutes from engine heat.

peasant

coylemj wrote: »

if the liquid had a large amount of alcohol in it I'd expect it to be a major irritant.

Are you Irish?

It's not so much the freezing bottle you need to worry about, it's the jets and the pipes

coylemj

Yes, 100% Irish and will be washing down a curry lunch tomorrow with a couple of bottles of Cobra. However industrial alcohol is another matter, would the stuff you're talking about smell like methylated spirits?

Bonito

CiniO wrote: »

I agree with preparing car for the winter. But most of what you proposed, has nothing to do with winter.

1. Checking coolant level... Doesn't matter if it's winter or summer - you need proper level of coolant.

3. Checking the bulbs... Don't you need them all year round?

4. New tyres... As size of tyre tread make horrendous difference on wet road, it doesn't really make any difference on ice or black-ice.

I agree with anything else.

1. Your car is less likely to freeze within the engine and crack the block etc during summer as opposed to winter.

2. Winter has less daylight hours than summer. Not everyone keeps their lights on at all times while driving. Not everyone changes bulbs when they go straight away.

3. Why does your count go 1, 3, 4 and not 1, 2, 3?

johnos1984

Simple advice here:

If its frosty/icy/snowing start your car off in second gear and avoid spinning your wheels

Remember once salt/grit has been put on the roads you should assume they are greasy for a long period after

In poor condition all braking, steering and accelerating should be smooth and gentle

Look ahead in poor weather, they're maybe a flood, accident or branches on the road or even worse a pedestrian with no reflective belt on

Test your brakes after leaving a flood

Clear/Clean all your windows inside and outside, and don't forget your mirrors if necessary

Put a pair of polarized sun glasses in your car for low level sunlight

Slow down slightly when its raining etc, 10KPH can make a huge difference but not to your arrival time

Safe driving is a skill

squod

Tesco are doing a rain poncho and emergency blanket in a pack the size of a deck of cards for €3. Worth it IMO.

Bonito

johnos1984 wrote: »

Slow down slightly when its raining etc, 10KPH can make a huge difference but not to your arrival time.

It does if you don't leave slightly earlier to compensate for the slower speed.

johnos1984

Bonito wrote: »

It does if you don't leave slightly earlier to compensate for the slower speed.

Have you ever had an accident weather it was your fault or not?

It can take hours longer to make it to your destination if you make it at all

Bonito

johnos1984 wrote: »

Have you ever had an accident weather it was your fault or not?

It can take hours longer to make it to your destination if you make it at all

If I leave for work tomorrow at my normal time and drive 10kmh slower than normal, I'll be late for work.

johnos1984

Bonito wrote: »

If I leave for work tomorrow at my normal time and drive 10kmh slower than normal, I'll be late for work.

I assume thats because you will of been the victim of road rage

And if your in traffic I would assume if you went 10kph slower you wouldn't be moving at all

Bonito

johnos1984 wrote: »

I assume thats because you will of been the victim of road rage

And if your in traffic I would assume if you went 10kph slower you wouldn't be moving at all

I despair.

johnos1984

Bonito wrote: »

I despair.

I'm not going O/T with this as its about reminding people to drive safely in winter.

If you have a problem with me pointing out that driving 10kph slower in poor conditions will give you a greater stopping distance and more chance to react for the driver than start a thread or PM me.

It was just meant as a friendly reminder for all, I wasn't just putting it there to make you feel special

Bonito

johnos1984 wrote: »

I'm not going O/T with this as its about reminding people to drive safely in winter.

If you have a problem with me pointing out that driving 10kph slower in poor conditions will give you a greater stopping distance and more chance to react for the driver than start a thread or PM me.

It was just meant as a friendly reminder for all, I wasn't just putting it there to make you feel special

Yeah and if you're going to drive 10kmh slower you need to leave earlier to get there at your normal time, it's common sense and simple maths.

johnos1984

Bonito wrote: »

Yeah and if you're going to drive 10kmh slower you need to leave earlier to get there at your normal time, it's common sense and simple maths.

Possibly I'm confused, I thought you were just being a smart arse with the original reply, reading back I now see where your coming from

fonecrusher1

Im going to miss my big oul Toyota hilux surf i had for last years big freeze.:(

The 4x4 ability was very handy for the ice. On two occasions i had to come to the rescue, dragging two nextdoor neighbours cars up the road to our estate.:D

All i have is a puny little corolla now. Ah well at least its front wheel drive. Slightly better than rear wheel drive in slippery conditions.

CiniO

Bonito wrote: »

1. Your car is less likely to freeze within the engine and crack the block etc during summer as opposed to winter.

That's absolutely right. But what's the connection between that and the level of coolant?
It'a all about how good the coolant is, not how much of it is there.

2. Winter has less daylight hours than summer. Not everyone keeps their lights on at all times while driving. Not everyone changes bulbs when they go straight away.

Still doesn't convience me about the lights. It doesn't matter if it's October, December or July. You need to have all your lights working properly. Otherwise your car is not roadworthy and should not be driven.
Completely can't understand why checking it would be the winter thing.
I personally check my lights in my car every 2 - 3 days.

3. Why does your count go 1, 3, 4 and not 1, 2, 3?

[/QUOTE]

I was just answering to OP's points.

CiniO

RoverJames wrote: »

Drive to the conditions and you won't need to prat around in car parks.

What do you mean drive to the conditions
In some conditions it might be, that at 10km/h even a slightest move of the steering wheels might cause skid. You might not be able to climb a hill, or just slide down the hill. Very slight touch on a brake might block the wheels.

For most drivers when it occurs it usually means accident.
And that seems to be confirmed by statistics. Last winter on first frosts, I've seen tens of accidents on just a 60km stretch of the road.

Driving is not just about operating gas, brake, clutch, gears and steering wheel. Driving is about being in full control of the car. And to be in full control of the car in tough conditions, you just need to know how to do it. It doesn't come from nowhere.

Tell me please, why in Scandinavian countries, on your driving test you have to show that you can control the car while it's skidding?

bazz26

Adjust your driving to the conditions.

The amount of tools driving in the ice and snow of last winter as if it were a summer's day with not a care in the world were unbelievable. Them and the tail gaters on your back bumper when braking and steering are seriously limited... :mad:

keithclancy

1. Get a car cover, put it over your car when you get home from work, will save you alot of hassle in the morning, costs about 8 euros.

2. Keep a big coat and a change of clothes in boot of your car

3. Drain the coolant and swap for a full anti freeze mix down to -25.

4. Put a good mix of Windscreen washer into your container .. DONT use it to clear your windscreen in the morning.

5. Check the news before you head out in the morning, try to stay on the travelled parts and remember at least the traffic jam is melting the ice.

Got down to -23 last year !

TBH I think Winter Tyres aren't all that great, it doesnt get cold enough around these parts to warrant it and they are useless in the wet

Del2005

fonecrusher1 wrote: »

Im going to miss my big oul Toyota hilux surf i had for last years big freeze.:(

The 4x4 ability was very handy for the ice. On two occasions i had to come to the rescue, dragging two nextdoor neighbours cars up the road to our estate.:D

All i have is a puny little corolla now. Ah well at least its front wheel drive. Slightly better than rear wheel drive in slippery conditions.

4x4 only helps with starting off. On ice you're in the same boat as everyone else when trying to stop.

Gitb1

keithclancy wrote: »

4. Put a good mix of Windscreen washer into your container .. DONT use it to clear your windscreen in the morning.

Why not?

Bonito

Gitb1 wrote: »

Why not?

It might shatter the screen. Letting the heaters slowly clear it while spraying de-icer on the outside is safest.

PaulKK

coylemj wrote: »

Wouldn't the smell of the alcohol be a major problem every time you spray the windscreen? I drive a Golf and the default ventilation settings (with the a/c switched off) does me fine 99% of the time, I can usually detect a whiff from the screenwash when I spray the windscreen but it doesn't bother me too much, however if the liquid had a large amount of alcohol in it I'd expect it to be a major irritant.

LOL, I've heard it all now.

I think you are thinking about this a bit too much.. the smell of screen wash being a problem for a few seconds!


I always go to the motor factors, buy 5L of concentrate, and bung in about 500ml/1L in to my 5L reservoir (depending on the season) and dilute to full with water, I'll put in a bit more in special circumstances like last winter. Its only about 6 quid for a good brand like holts.

Just to confirm, the smell has never irritated me!

snowman707

what about getting up 10 to 15 minutes earlier and allowing the car to defrost before setting off

I was doing a Limerick run last winter and the amount of morons shooting out of housing estates looking through a 4 inch space on the windscreen was unreal . .. no sideways or rear vision

snowman707

Gitb1 wrote: »

Why not?

try it at - 8 deg C and you will find out for yourself

shedweller

biko wrote: »

3. Check all bulbs front and rear. Don't put this off!
Also check if the headlights are straight so you don't blind oncoming traffic.

No. 1 irritant.
Might i add to that to make sure you have lights at all!
"Oh look, a motorbike with a fogli...****!!!!"

Captain Commie

One very valid point i want to add, if you have to drive up a hill in snow/ice, DONT STOP YOUR CAR. was driving home one night in the freeze last year and some idiot (who had a clear road ahead) decided to stop in the middle of the hill, wasnt able to get enough grip to start off and decided to let the car out of gear and coast backwards, had i not have left a clear gap then she would have back straight into me, she takes a second stab at it and stops again, gives up and parks on the side of the road, my turn comes, so rather than just turning left and going up the hill i went right round the roundabout to get some power up, took the hill in second gear and made it in one shot.

Moral - If you need to go up hill make sure you have enough power and dont stop, also dont tailgate the person ahead of you.

swe_fi

One thing that I have not seen mentioned but I think is vital is to check so your breaks are even on left / right side, and that the abs is working properly (if you have abs). This can become quite dangerous when you are breaking on ice even if you are driving slowly as the car could steer up sideways.

"Test-sliding" in empty car park is a great idea.

Oh and get a new kettle (for redundancy). You will not be able to pour boiling water on your icy windscreen to melt the ice in the morning if you have only one and it breaks.

Cookie_Monster

swe_fi wrote: »

Oh and get a new kettle (for redundancy). You will not be able to pour boiling water on your icy windscreen to melt the ice in the morning if you have only one and it breaks.

don't ever do that, you risk cracking your windscreen. (or at least make sure you've a spare windscreen handy :P)


Ice scrappers are €2-3 quid in supermarkets these days, much better.

swe_fi

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

don't ever do that, you risk cracking your windscreen. (or at least make sure you've a spare windscreen handy :P)


Ice scrappers are €2-3 quid in supermarkets these days, much better.

Just for clarity, it was a joke :-) Shocks me every time i see this.

johnos1984

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

don't ever do that, you risk cracking your windscreen. (or at least make sure you've a spare windscreen handy :P)


Ice scrappers are €2-3 quid in supermarkets these days, much better.

I've always used luke warm water, cold enough to put your finger in without being uncomfortable should be fine.

If you are really stuck for an ice scraper a cd box is great or failing that a credit card (or something of that sort) has rescued me

Viper_JB

If you're buying stuff from camskill they have special offers on for winter products http://camskill.co.uk/products.php?plid=m37b0s4361p0 might be worth a check.

Also if you're lazy like me http://camskill.co.uk/products.php?plid=m37b0s4387p56796 pretty handy stuff, stops a load of condensation building on the inside of the windscreen, saves a bit of effort in the morning as you only really have to worry bout the outside of the car .

gyppo

If your battery is getting tired, replace it.

Voodoomelon

RoverJames wrote: »

Drive to the conditions and you won't need to prat around in car parks.

Wheres the fun in that? :pac:

T-Maxx

gyppo wrote: »

If your battery is getting tired, replace it.

Good point. Whilst you can still get away with a dodgy battery during good weather periods, nothing kills off a tired battery like a good few cold winter morning starts.

Just on the point of the anti-freeze issue, if you don't know what you're doing don't attempt to DIY - you could get an air lock in the system.

ianobrien

gyppo wrote: »

If your battery is getting tired, replace it.

I second that. During the cold spell, I wrapped the battery (which was approx 6 years old) in a warm blanket at night as the cold was killing the battery. I removed the insulation before starting off.

I'm still using the old battery. I don't think I'll get a second Winter out of it...

teednab-el

biko wrote: »

2. Add windscreen washer fluid to the reservoir.
Pick up in any garage. It'll keep the washer water from freezing.

I dont know if your correct here..going on my experience, my waterjet continously frooze during last years cold winter spell and I had windscreen washer fluid inside reservoir and I top it up and put it in regularly.

But again last winter wasnt like any normal winter in Ireland.

Stephen

But how much of a mix did you have? You'll need something like 50% washer fluid to 50% water to prevent freezing.

teednab-el

Stephen wrote: »

But how much of a mix did you have? You'll need something like 50% washer fluid to 50% water to prevent freezing.

The window washer fluid I used at that time kinda made my windowscreen hazy and greasy. It was difficult to see through it at night when the lights from oncoming cars would shine through it. This was when I had 50:50 concentration inside reservoir. I reduced the amount of fluid after that, that may explain why it frooze in the first place.

biko

White vinegar will lower the freezing point, not by much mind.
It doesn't get as greasy as windscreen wash but it does make you wanna have some chips